First West Foundation Donates More Than $300,000 to Charitable Organizations

The First West Foundation, the private, charitable arm of the $5.8 billion First West Credit Union in Langley, British Columbia, said it will donate over $300,000 in 2013 to charitable organizations.

The First West Foundation helps improve the quality of life for British Columbians in the communities served by First West Credit Union. Its regional brands —Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial — have contributed more than $2.4 million to charities since 1998, the credit union said.

In 2013, grants from the Envision Financial Community Endowment will be used to support numerous programs in the area of “children, families and youth at risk” such as development of social and recreational programs for youth, the First West Foundation said.

Additionally, recognizing the opportunity to strengthen work being done in the social services sector, grants will be provided to support organizational development initiatives such as leadership training and workshops to help improve the skills and abilities of staff or volunteers.

The Valley First Community Endowment’s focus this year will be on supporting children, families, youth and seniors at risk of hunger. Grants will be provided to support organizations that run food-related programs such as community kitchens or children’s breakfast and lunch programs.

These grants complement work being done through Valley First’s signature cause: Feed the Valley, a unique community partnership dedicated to a simple goal of tackling hunger by raising food, funds and awareness for local food banks.